ANZAC Day on 25 April is a national day of remembrance and commemoration. This solemn day remembers all Australians who have served and died in war and on operational service, and the date marks the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps 1915 landing at Gallipoli, Turkey in WWI. Find out what services and events are happening on ANZAC Day around Sydney and the North Shore to remember them in 2024.
What is ANZAC Day and why is it important?
ANZAC Day is marked on the 25 April. This is the anniversary of the first campaign that led to major casualties for Australian and New Zealand forces during World War One.
In 2024, ANZAC Day is on Thursday 25 April. To remember our fallen soldiers, you might want to attend a public commemorative service, the official NSW ANZAC Day Dawn Service or pay tribute by making a donation.
ANZAC Day is a public holiday. Retailers are not allowed to open until 1pm on ANZAC Day, unless they are exempt.
ANZAC Day Services and commemorations 2024
The Sydney CBD ANZAC Day March
Sydney’s ANZAC Day March gives participating veterans and the general public an opportunity to honour those who served in the defence of Australia or its interests, especially remembering those who paid the supreme sacrifice or otherwise suffered as a result of their service.
The Order of March will be WWII veterans followed by Navy/Army/Air Force (in conflict order), civilians in support of Australian Troops, descendants of Australian veterans, Commonwealth and allies.
The ANZAC Day March begins at 9am at the intersection of Martin Place and Elizabeth Street. It travels down Elizabeth Street and finishes at the end of Hyde Park at Liverpool Street at about 12.30pm.
ANZAC Day Dawn Service, Martin Place
The ANZAC Day dawn service at The Cenotaph in Sydney’s Martin Place begins at 4.30am. Thousands gather in the pre-dawn darkness to honour fallen soldiers. This yearโs service marks the 96th anniversary of the first Dawn Service held at the Cenotaph in 1928.
The dawn service includes a catafalque contingent, an Ode of Remembrance, Last Post bugle call, a minute’s silence, a Reveille played on a bugle and the laying of wreaths.
ANZAC Day Wreath Laying Services
As part of the official NSW ANZAC Day dawn service services, there will be wreath laying ceremonies throughout the day:
- 7.15amย Freemasonsโ Association (NSW & ACT)
- 7.30amย 2/4th Australian Infantry Battalion
- 7.45amย Legacy Club Services
- 8.30amย 2/31st Battalion Association
- 12.30pmย Mass Pipe Bands (Pipe Band Association NSW) โ marching from King Street to Martin Place via George Street
- 1pmย Australian Air League NSW Group
ANZAC Day Services around Sydney’s North Shore
ANZAC Day Services inย North Sydney
North Sydney Dawn Service
The ANZAC Day Dawn Service includes a commemorative address followed by a memorial wreath laying by dignitaries, local businesses and school students.
- Where: North Sydney War Memorial, Ridge Street, North Sydney
- When: 25 April, 5.45am
The Greens, North Sydney
Arrive early for the North Sydney Dawn Service and enjoy a coffee or sausage sizzle from the BBQ at The Greens carpark starting at 4:30am. Following the service, a special Greens breakfast will be available from 6am. In the afternoon, unwind with live entertainment and a 2up competition on the Green at The Greens, with tables bookable from midday.
Pre-Service |ย From 4:30am | Coffee Cart and BBQ at The Greens carpark
Dawn Service |ย From 5:45am | At the Norths Sydney War Memorial, Ridge St
Post Service |ย from 6am with Greens Breakfast
2-Up on the Green & Live Entertainment |ย From noon
Table bookings available from 12pm.
- Where: The Greens, 50 Ridge Street, North Sydney
- The Greens
Kirribilli Club
The Kirribilli Club holds a service on the Sunday before ANZAC Day called the ANZAC Commemoration Sunday Service at 12pm. The ceremony is held at the flagpole at the RSL Memorial opposite the Kirribilli Club entrance facing the harbour, and includes speakers that have served in the Australian Defence Forces as well as local members of parliament.
There will be a marching band followed by a minute silence as we remember the sacrifices given by Australian soldiers throughout our nationโs history. Afterward, the Club invites all members and guests attending the ceremony to join us for some light refreshments in the Kirribilli Club Ballroom.
- Where: Kirribilli Club
- When: Sunday 21 April, 12pm
ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Mosman
Anย ANZACย address will be delivered by Lieutenant Commander Wendy Duffyย RAN, Executive Officer atย HMASย Penguin.
Following the service the Lions Club of Mosman have a sausage sizzle ($5) and coffee is compliments of the Mosmanย RSLย sub-Branch. All welcome.
There is no seating, transport or cover if it rains. Parking is available and a torch may be useful. Anyone or group (not already advised) wishing to lay a wreath or tribute pleaseย NOTIFYย the MC before the commencement of the service.
- Where: Old Parade Ground, at Georges Heights, Suakin Drive, Mosman
- Mosman Council
ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Chatswood
In Chatswood, there will be an ANZAC Day Dawn Service starting with a march for Ex-Service Personnel at 4:45am (starting at the corner ofย Albert Avenue and Victor Street). The 5am ceremony will be held at theย Garden of Remembrance (Orchard Street and Albert Avenue, Chatswood)
After the service, attendees are invited back to Chatswood RSL Club for morning tea.
ANZAC Day Services in Ku-ring-gai
Ku-ring-gaiโs commemorations of Australiaโs most solemn military day will commence with two dawn services at Roseville RSL Memorial and Bicentennial Park, West Pymble.
- 5am Dawn Service @ Roseville RSL Memorial Park, 62 Pacific Highway
- 5:30am Dawn Service @ Bicentennial Park, West Pymble
- 7.30am Service @ Wahroonga Park
- 9.30am Service @ Turramurra Memorial Park
- 10.30am Service @ St Ives War Memorial
- 11.30am Service @ St John’s Anglican Church Gordon
Details of dawn services, memorial services and events are also available at the council site.
ANZAC Day Services in Hornsby Shire
Dawn March & Service: 4.30am, Thursday 25 April
Assemble at the front of the Club from 4.30am for the ANZAC March and Dawn Service, followed by Breakfast in The Showroom from 5.45am, with all Breakfast donations going towards RSL LifeCare, an initiative to provide support for veterans.
The Club will close from 8.30am and reopen from 9.30am, with services from The Brew Bar, then enjoy delicious meals in The Courtyard from 11.30am. Visit The Showroom from 1.30pm for Two-Up.
- Where: Hornsby RSL, 4 High St, Hornsby
- Hornsby RSL
Glenorie RSL, 3:15pm, Thursday 25 April
There will be an afternoon march and service at 3:15 pm. Service includes the 226 Army Cadet Unit of Normanhurst, Historical Army Tanks, Bikes and Jeeps, The Hills District Pipe Band, The RSL Sub Branch, local school children and a guest speaker. Assemble for the march at 2:45 pm in the Woolworths car park.ย
Enjoy live music throughout the day in ‘The Backyard’ along with 2UP in ‘The Grove’ from 5pm.
- Where: 3 Post Office Rd, Glenorieย
- Glenorie RSL
ANZAC Day services around Sydney’s Northern Beaches
Memorial Service at Manly Dam
- Manly War Memorial, The Corso (in front of Manly Town Hall) – Dawn Service: 4.25am (arrive by 4am)| Commemorative Service: 11am (arrive by 10.40am)
- Manly Dam: Dawn Service – 5.30am (arrive by 5.15am)
- Avalon Beach RSL Sub-Branch – 5.30am dawn service, 11am march and 11.40am commemorative service
- Balgowlah RSL Memorial Club – 6am dawn service
- Brookvale & Monavale Ex- Services Club – 7am march from Brookvale Public School to Brookvale bus depot
- Collaroy RSL Sub-Branch – 5pm sunset service
- Dee Why RSL – 5.30am dawn service at Dee Why Beach
- Forestville RSL Sub-Branch – 5.30am dawn service
- Harbord Diggers – 8am commemorative service
- Palm Beach RSL Sub-Branch – 10.30am march, followed by service
- Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch – 5.20am dawn service
- RSL LifeCare ANZAC Village (The War Vets) โ 6am service followed by community breakfast and taxi cavalcade
Two-Up around Sydney’s North Shore
Two-up is an iconic Australian gambling game that gained popularity among Australian soldiers during the First World War as a form of entertainment and camaraderie.
The game is generally illegal throughout the year, with an exception made on ANZAC Day & Remembrance Day (11 November), to honour the soldiers who played it.ย
Players bet on whether the coins will both fall with heads (obverse) up, both with tails (reverse) up, or with a head and one a tail (known as “Ewan”).ย The game is traditionally played in pubs and clubs throughout Australia on Anzac Day, in part to mark a shared experience with diggers (soldiers).
The Greenwood
It wouldnโt be ANZAC Day without two-UP, and with North Sydneyโs biggest 2UP Arena, thereโs no better place to wave your fiver in the air than at Greenwood Hotel. They are open from 10:30am and will be donating $1 from every Carlton Draught sold to the Legacy Foundation.
- Where: The Greenwood Hotel, Miller Street, North Sydney
- Greenwood Hotel
The Buena Mosman
Join The Buena from 12pm for all the Aussie traditions, from 2UP to Yabby Racing. Plus, The Buena are donating $1 from every Carlton Draught sold to the Legacy Foundation. In true ANZAC spirit, end your arvo by commemorating the ANZACs with a live rendition of The Last Post on the balcony at sundown.
- Where: The Buena, 76 Middle Head Rd, Mosman
- The Buena
Kirribilli Club
ANZAC Day is a special day of Remembrance at the Kirribilli Club for those who served and those continuing in conflicts and peacekeeping roles around the world. An occasion for family, friends and new acquaintances to share old and new stories alike whilst enjoying fine food, cold drinks, quality wines, gourmet coffees, harbour views and all the Kirribilli Club has to offer. Traditional 2UP will be held in the Grand Ballroom 1pm till 5pm.
- Where: Kirribilli Club, 11 Harbour View Crescent, Lavender Bay
- Kirribilli Club
Other ways to commemorate ANZAC Day 2024
Bake ANZAC biscuits with your children
Baking ANZAC biscuits with your children is a great way to celebrate ANZAC Day, and is a time-honoured tradition to mark our countryโs National Day of Remembrance. The famed biscuits were sent by wives and other women to sustain the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) during World War I. The combination ofย golden syrup and oats, and the absence of eggs, meant the goods traveled long distances without spoiling. Click here for the recipe.
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